Winningest Coach In Program History Has Been Out Since Nov. 6

UConn men's hockey coach Bruce Marshall finally had his team gathered around him once again Monday — but only to say goodbye.

Marshall, who had been on medical leave while dealing with an undisclosed health issue since early November, has resigned from the position he has held since 1988. The news, delivered to the team by Marshall himself and announced via a press release from UConn, comes right about the time Marshall was expected to return to the Huskies bench.

"During my time away from the program, I determined that this decision was in the best interest for myself, my family and the UConn men's ice hockey team," Marshall, 50, said in a statement. "I am extremely proud of the accomplishments of the program during my time as a Husky and I wish nothing but success for the team as it continues to make the exciting transition to Hockey East for the 2014-15 season."

Marshall, a 1985 UConn graduate, was in his 25th season as head coach. Assistant Dave Berard has been coaching in his absence and will continue as interim coach for the remainder of the season. UConn will conduct a national search for a permanent replacement after the season, and Berard, who is in his second year with the team, is expected to be a leading candidate.

UConn's all-time leader in victories, Marshall goes out with a career record of 339-381-70, which includes the 17 games the Huskies (7-8-2) have played this year. No other details regarding his condition or decision were available, though his health issue has been described as not life-threatening.

Since the program moved to Division I in 1998, Marshall led UConn to a MAAC championship in 2000 and coached seven All-Americans. The Huskies joined Atlantic Hockey in 2003. In June, the program announced it would join Hockey East for the 2014-15 season.

Berard is a 1992 graduate of Providence College and was a member of the Providence staff for 15 years. He has extensive Hockey East recruiting experience.

Marshall, a native of West Boylston, Mass., lives in Storrs with his wife, Kathy, and their four children.